The Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair was hit with two robberies just hours after opening according to local news sources, with a necklace and two bags of pearls worth around £40,000 being targeted.

The thefts happened about four hours after the show opened in Lantau on September 16, with staff spotting a female visitor stealing from a booth.

A police spokesman said: “Officers on site intercepted the woman and recovered the stolen property. The 23-year-old woman was arrested for theft.”

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Police also arrested a suspected thief who was arrested in possession of a fake diamond that police believed she intended to swap for a real gem. Another gentleman was also arrested as he was found to be in possession of fake documents and name cards at the registration desk.

Security measures this year had already been strengthened as all visitors are now required to present a valid photo identity document for on-site identity verification before entering the hall, according to AsiaWorld-Expo Management Limited.

More than 3,700 exhibitors from 50 countries are taking part in the two Hong Kong-based trade events from September 16-20 and September 18-22.